Knowledge of basic statistical concepts - TS 16949 Clause 8.1.2

[North Coast]

ISO/TS 16949:2002 - 8.1.2 Knowledge of basic statistical concepts -- "Basic statistical concepts, such as variation, control (stability), process capability and over-adjustment shall be understood and utilized throughout the organization."

Basic statistical concepts would not apply to many of our employees and therefore would not be value-added in our system.

I'm looking for guidance on how this requirement has been addressed in other TS2 systems.

Thank you for any help you can provide!

 

[YKT]

i do agreed. Not all individuals in an organization will need to know what the concept of SPC. Some of them, especailly thus in HR, Finance, etc , without any direct involvement on the quality of the product and process, will not know the impact of the variation, stability, etc.

IMO, training records to show that all the personnel directly involve in the production, process, measurement will need to have evidence on SPC knowledge. I believe this will be sufficient. I think the word 'throughout the organization' applies only to production / process and thus with impact to either of the both.

 

[Bill Ryan - 2007]

Don't lose sight that HR, Finance, etc. also have "processes" which could benefit from statistical analysis of some type. For example, HR may benefit from a simple bar chart showing something like employee turnover/retention.

A QE may be the instigator but someone from HR should probably have a "grassroots" understanding of what he/she is looking at and what the chart may be "telling" them.

JMO.

Bill

 

[M Greenaway]

Well said Bill.

Every process requires Measurement, Analysis and Improvement. In my opinion the analysis is best done using statistical methods.

 

[dmar]

Given a defined process, such as one which converts inputs to outputs, there will be value-added and non-value added aspects.

Definition and process mapping are early steps in understanding any process. Chances are, if we have a measure, we can begin to apply basic stats.

Whenever we can DEFINE an output, measure it, analyse, improve, then CONTROL it better, this IS value added.

Is the Tech Spec not referring primarily to these product realization processes?

I have challenged all of our Managers to state their 2003 Department objectives as problem definitions. Then I have challenged myself to establish measures and form Teams which target improvement projects! :ca:

 

[rrramirez]

" ISO/TS 16949:2002 - 8.1.2 Knowledge of basic statistical concepts -- "Basic statistical concepts, such as variation, control (stability), process capability and over-adjustment shall be understood and utilized throughout the organization."

You could train your people in statistical reasoning... what is the meaning of the mean of the process? what is the meaning of the variation?, etc...you don't need (it is not an imperative) to have a control chart to teach these meaning. You could use a Quincux, for example...May be this kind of training contributes to a new mindset in the individual.

 

[rrramirez]

8.1.2 Knowledge of basic statistical concepts

" ISO/TS 16949:2002 - 8.1.2 Knowledge of basic statistical concepts -- "Basic statistical concepts, such as variation, control (stability), process capability and over-adjustment shall be understood and utilized throughout the organization."

You could train your people in statistical reasoning... what is the meaning of the mean of the process? what is the meaning of the variation?, etc...you don't need (it is not an imperative) to have a control chart to teach these meaning. You could use a Quincux, for example...May be this kind of training contributes to a new mindset in the individual.

 

[Denise]

Process control computers

The process computers control each of our processes. Within the program code is mathematical modeling that automatically feeds forward and feeds back whatever adjustments are to be made. There are alarms if the process is out of control. The operators can view some real time trends but usually the computer adjusts before they get an alarm. How much SPC do those operators need?

Denise

 

[Bill Ryan - 2007]

Denise

I can't give you a definitive answer. Our die cast machines are also "controlled" by programs (computer). Yet, all parameters can be within the acceptable range and we can still make a nonconforming part. Same holds true for our machining centers. Because of that, we require our operators to have an understanding of Pareto Charts for identifying scrap issues, as an example. Pretty simplistic. but under the "SPC umbrella" nonetheless.

Our operators also measure product and we require them to "understand" what the mean, UCL and LCL of an X-bar & R chart are and how to react to various circumstances. Granted they don't need to have the depth of understanding I, supposedly, have but I can't see where a basic understanding of variation, and some of the tools available to show variation, can hurt anyone in their job performance and problem solving capabilities.

Enough of the soap box. I hope this made some sense.

Bill

 

[Angela-2007]

We utilized a glossary in the back of our level 1, 2 and 3 documentation. Each employee receives training on these acronyms and definitions during initial training. It could vary from what a STA is, what APQP means, what variation, control mean etc. Fairly effective.

Angela